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The National Board of Trustees of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has named Shane Williamson as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Williamson, currently FCA executive director of field ministry, replaces FCA president and CEO Les Steckel, who will retire at the end of 2016 after 12 years of service.

"FCA conducted a comprehensive, national search for our new president, and the candidates we interviewed were tremendous leaders in their fields," board chairman Bruce Graham said. "When it came down to it, we were thrilled to discover that the Lord led us to someone from our own FCA family—someone who understands the heart and soul of FCA."

Graham described Steckel as "one of the most passionate leaders in FCA history," and said Williamson "will carry out FCA's strong vision to impact coaches and athletes for Christ and continue to take the ministry to new heights."

Williamson, a member of the nondenominational Impact Church in Hartwell, Ga., has served FCA for 24 years and has held his current post since 2014. The Loris, S.C., native has worked as FCA's vice president of field ministry for the Carolinas, multi-area director for Metro Atlanta and area director for Upstate South Carolina. Before Williamson's employment with FCA, he was an FCA sponsor, a teacher and coach.

"I am honored and excited to serve alongside such wonderfully committed teammates, coaches, athletes, supporters and volunteers in leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as president," Williamson said. "FCA is a ministry uniquely positioned, through the influence of coaches and athletes, to impact our world by promoting in sport the life-changing message of Christ. As a husband, father, coach and athlete, God has used FCA to grow and change my life, marriage and family in so many positive ways. I can only hope to lead in such a way that continues to give all who serve and support this ministry greater opportunities to invest in coaches, athletes and all whom they influence in the same way."